ApoE and Reelin interactions in Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: ApoE and Reelin interactions in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11616963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher is studying how the ApoE ε4 protein interacts with Reelin in the brains of people at risk for or living with Alzheimer’s disease to understand why some people develop the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Troy, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $698,712 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG096333-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11616963 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, particularly those with APOE ε4 or related risk factors, who may participate through related patient-derived models or future clinical studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without Alzheimer’s risk factors or APOE ε4-related biology may not directly benefit from this basic science research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how ApoE ε4 and Reelin signaling affect brain health in Alzheimer’s, using human-derived models and brain tissue concepts to uncover potential protective or harmful pathways. Researchers plan experiments centered on how ApoE receptors and Reelin, along with associated molecules, influence neuron function and tau biology. The work builds on findings from organoids and neuron models to explore whether modifying this pathway could reduce Alzheimer’s risk or progression. The study aims to translate basic discoveries into targets that could eventually inform therapies for people with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new strategies to reduce brain damage from Alzheimer’s by enhancing protective Reelin signaling.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have suggested a protective role for Reelin signaling in Alzheimer’s, with newer models showing differential effects by APOE genotype.
Where this research is happening
-
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Chunyu — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Wang, Chunyu
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.